Experience Cultural Cuisines at the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC Cramer-Jacobs Family Culinary Studio

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Discover culinary classes and events for all ages

Three distinct cooking experiences scheduled for May 2025

If looking to find a good variety of cooking experiences for all ages with renowned guest chefs and author appearances, the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC Cramer-Jacobs Family Culinary Studio has what you’re looking for.

Expect to see unique programming meant to inspire, ignite passion and teach new skills and techniques in the kitchen as instructors infuse Jewish culture into programming, nurturing and preserving memories and traditions through food. Unique culinary party experiences are also available.

Upcoming classes in May 2025 include Have You Heard of This Dish?: Curry Puffs on May 14, Challah Club: Oreo Pull-Apart Challah on May 15, and Not Your Bubbe’s Table: Cheese Board Decorating and Ricotta Gnocchi on May 22.

GET THE SCOOP ON THE CLASSES:

FROM CHEF EMILY HERSH, a Houston-based, Manhattan-trained plant-forward chef known for transforming everyday dishes into creative yet simple meals, takes center stage. At just 22, she competed on Fox’s Hell’s Kitchen, finishing as a top 7 finalist, and has since honed her skills under culinary mentors like Gordon Ramsay and Michelin Star Chef Amanda Cohen.

1. Please share a bit about the variety of classes being offered here: We offer a wide variety of classes designed to bring the Houston community together—whether you’re sharpening your knife skills, learning the art of pickling and fermenting, decorating sugar cookies, cooking for your health, or exploring cultural traditions like challah braiding. We aim to create a fun, welcoming space where you can connect with others and leave with new skills to impress and enjoy at home.

2. Who is teaching the classes?

Emily Hersh: Lead Adult Culinary Instructor, Hell’s Kitchen Season 20 Top 7 Finalist

Macy Diulus: Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist,  

Hillary Kamin: Challah instructor aka The “Challah Fairy” 

Stephanie Bishop: Lead Children’s Culinary Instructor and Pastry Chef

Velma Perez: Cookie Decorating Instructor, Featured on Food Network

3. What can attendees expect when they come? The Cramer-Jacobs Family Culinary Studio provides unique classes for all, bringing together people of all ages, backgrounds and faiths to build a stronger sense of community through food. Programming is meant to inspire, ignite passion and teach new skills and techniques in the kitchen. We also work to infuse Jewish culture into programming, nurturing and preserving memories and traditions through food. When you take a class, you can expect to meet new people, learn new skills and eat delicious food!

4. How often are the classes offered? Culinary programming is offered year-round with classes and events for all ages (children, teens, families, adults). Culinary day camp is a highly sought after kids’ camp during the summer, too! Programming varies seasonally and by interest and topic… there’s truly something for everyone! 

5. How did these classes get started being offered to the community? The concept for the culinary studio began as an idea to teach Judaics and Jewish learning through cooking and food. This has evolved over time, expanding beyond Jewish cooking and embracing diverse cultures and cuisines, all while creating opportunities for learning, health and wellness, and more. The Cramer-Jacobs Family Culinary Studio is also the only Kosher-style culinary studio in Houston and the only cooking studio in the area.

WHEN YOU GET THERE:

  • State-of-the-art culinary kitchen, appliances, and equipment.
  • Commercial grade gas burners, griddles, and convection oven.
  • Each station is equipped with individual burners and appliances.
  • Classes/events have a capacity of up to 24 people.
  • Dairy/parve space utilizing kosher ingredients.
  • Renowned author and chef appearances, demos and cooking classes.

ABOUT THE CRAMER-JACOBS FAMILY CULINARY STUDIO:

The Cramer-Jacobs Family Culinary Studio opened in early 2023 as part of the renovation of the J’s Milton-Levit Family Campus in Southwest Houston. Since 1936, the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC of Houston has been a place where families and individuals come together for friendship, affiliation and socialization in a safe and welcoming environment. The J is committed to enriching the lives of its diverse membership and community, offering destination-worthy experiences with year-round programming, activities and events for all.

HOW TO REGISTER:

Advance registration is required for all classes 24 hours before the class begins. Full refunds will only be given if registration is canceled at least 48 hours before the class. We request that all participants arrive on time for classes. Late arrivals may not be able to participate in some classes. 

MORE INFORMATION:

Visit https://www.erjcchouston.org/culinary-classes/.

Photos: Olivia Rangel and Mark Katz

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